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Concussion Ends Career For Former Canuck Alberts

News:Andrew Alberts has no intention to resume his playing career after he continues to deal with the effects of a concussion suffered Dec. 29, 2013, Sporstnet.ca reports.

Analysis: Thirteen months after sustaining the head injury, Andrew Alberts said he's first starting to experience some relief from the headaches, but doesn't want to put his long-term health at risk by returning to professional hockey. He had previously aimed to return to the ice last spring after noticing improvement in his condition, only to suffer a setback shortly thereafter. The 33-year-old defenseman will end his career with 55 points over 459 NHL games spent with the Bruins, Flyers, Hurricanes, and Canucks.

Career May Be In Jeopardy For Canucks' Alberts

News:Andrew Alberts continues to experience daily headaches after suffering a concussion in a game against the Flames five months ago, Iain MacIntrye of the Vancouver Sun reports.

Analysis: Though Andrew Alberts was able to skate with the team for their last practice of the season, it was mostly just a good faith gesture on the Canucks' part for the soon-to-be free agent. Alberts will turn 33 this summer, and considering the lack of impact he made even when healthy, the defenseman is sure to receive little interest from teams while he remains dogged by the concussion. His NHL career could very well be over.

Canucks' Alberts Slow To Progress From Concussion

News:Andrew Alberts has been slow to progress from the concussion he suffered back on Dec. 29, ending his season after just 10 games, Jason Botchford of the Vancouver Province reports.

Analysis: Aside from being headache-free for the last few days, Andrew Alberts is still experiencing post-concussion symptoms, the second time in his career he's missed four-plus months due to a head injury. Alberts also experienced ligament damage in his neck in addition to the concussion. There's no guarantee he'll be ready to go by the time training camp rolls around.

Canucks' Alberts Not Close To Returning

News: Coach John Tortorella said Andrew Alberts (concussion) has been slow to recover and shouldn't be expected to return anytime soon, Elliott Pap of the Vancouver Sun reports.

Analysis: The timetable on concussions is notoriously volatile, and it would appear Andrew Alberts' head injury could cost him several more weeks. He hasn't taken the ice since Dec. 29, after leaving a win over the Flames with the concussion.

Canucks Place Alberts On IR

Analysis: With Andrew Alberts not playing since leaving a Dec. 29 game against the Flames with a head injury, it would appear that he's experiencing concussion-like symptoms. He had no points in 10 games with the Canucks and would seem to be easily replaceable.

Canucks' Alberts Leaves Game With Injury

News:Andrew Alberts left Sunday's game against the Flames to be evaluated for a possible concussion and will not return, Brad Ziemer of the Vancouver Sun reports.

Analysis:Andrew Alberts has played in nine games for the Canucks this season and has not recorded a point in that span. He primarily serves as an extra defenseman for the team in his current role. He will be evaluated for a possible concussion and he should be considered day-to-day with the injury.

Canucks Re-Sign Alberts

News:Andrew Alberts re-signed with the Canucks on Thursday, the Globe and Mail reports.

Analysis:Andrew Alberts appeared in 24 games for the Canucks but wasn't especially productive, accumulating only one point and 32 penalty minutes on the season. He'll just be competing for a depth role with the Canucks and may be in the press box more often than not.

Canucks' Alberts Battling For Job

News:Andrew Alberts will compete for one of the final spots on the Canucks' defensive unit, the Vancouver Province reports.

Analysis: The Canucks are expected to carry eight blueliners this season. Andrew Alberts figures to compete with Cam Barker and Jim Vandermeeer for the eighth spot. Even if he nabs the job, Alberts will be deployed in the same depth role that we've seen produce a minimal fantasy impact in past seasons,

Night Off For Canucks' Alberts

News:Andrew Alberts will be a healthy scratch for Thursday's tilt against the Flames, News 1130 reports.

Analysis: He had appeared in four consecutive games, but with Kevin Bieksa (undisclosed) and Aaron Rome (knee) both returning Thursday, Andrew Alberts is headed back to the press box. The big (6-5, 218) defenseman has three points in 44 games.

Vancouver's Alberts Sent Off For 13 PIMs

News:Andrew Alberts collected a month's worth of penalty minutes in two periods as the Canucks fell at Calgary on Saturday, 3-2. He was whistled for boarding, charging, roughing (a double minor), and fighting, for a total of 13 PIMs.

Analysis: Tha Flames were unable to convert any of the power-play opportunities, so you can enjoy the big PIM night with a clear conscience.

Alberts Back In The Canucks' Lineup Tuesday

News:Andrew Alberts was back in the lineup Tuesday after sitting Sunday.

Analysis:Andrew Alberts was given his turn in the rotation Tuesday with Alex Sulzer sitting. Between Keith Ballard, Sulzer, and Alberts, it's hard to know who is going to sit from night to night, but the last two games, Sulzer and Alberts have taken their turns.

Canucks' Alberts To Skate On Fourth Line

News:Andrew Alberts and fellow blueliner Aaron Rome will see time with the fourth line until Andrew Ebbett (broken foot) is ready to return to action, the Vancouver Sun reports.

Analysis: Ebbett is about a week away from returning, so Andrew Alberts and Rome will likely get a couple of games to prove their worth on the front line. Neither player will stick as a forward long term, but they could be sneaky plays on defense in deep leagues over the next week given the expected increase in scoring opportunities.

Canucks' Alberts Healthy And Ready For Regular Season

News:Andrew Alberts, who had cartilage in his knee acting up over the summer, is back at full strength and set to start the regular season as the Canucks' seventh defenseman, the Vancouver Province reports.

Analysis:Andrew Alberts could be in danger of losing his roster spot once Aaron Rome (finger) returns to action, but he'll give the Canucks added depth on the back end for now.

Canucks' Alberts Active In Game 7

News: As expected, Alberts (undisclosed) was active for Wednesday's Game 7 of the Stanley Cup Final.

Analysis: At 6-foot-4, 216 pounds, Alberts is an imposing rearguard. and he gives the Canucks some added depth with the likes of Aaron Rome (suspension) and Dan Hamhuis (undisclosed injury) not available for the season's final game. Through two periods, Alberts has a minus-1 rating with two shots on goal, and the Canucks trail the Bruins, 3-0.

Canucks' Alberts Apparently Fine For Game 7

News: Alberts (undisclosed) "will be fine" for Game 7 of the Stanley Cup Final on Wednesday, as suggested by Canucks coach Alain Vigneault and reported by the Vancouver Province.

Analysis: While Vigneault's call on Alberts has yet to become official, we would be surprised if the defenseman missed the biggest game of the season. Expect Alberts to do all he can to be available for Game 7.

Canucks' Alberts Banged Up Too?

News: Alberts (undisclosed issue) briefly left the bench in the third period of Monday's loss to the Bruins, the Vancouver Sun reports.

Analysis: Alberts returned to the bench, but then sat out the last five minutes of the game. Alex Edler was also apparently hurt in Monday's game, so if either defender is forced to miss Wednesday's Game 7, it would be a major blow to the team's already taxed blue line depth.

Canucks' Alberts To Skate In Game 2 Of Stanley Cup Finals?

News: Canucks blueliner Christian Ehrhoff admitted Friday that the team would have "another guy coming in" to replace Dan Hamhuis (undisclosed) in Game 2 of the Stanley Cup Finals, the Vancouver Sun reports. Ehrhoff went on to say that player would be Alberts.

Analysis: Canucks coach Alain Vigneault hasn't come out and announced Hamhuis' status or who would be the possible replacement, but it's hard to envision Ehrhoff making this proclamation unless it were true.

Canucks' Alberts (Wrist) Out Two Months

News: Alberts will undergo wrist surgery Wednesday that could keep him sidelined up to two months, the Vancouver Sun reports.

Analysis: If Alberts is able to return before the end of the regular season, the small amount of games remaining and his role as a depth defenseman will limit his fantasy impact. Feel free to drop him for a healthier option.

Canucks' Alberts Breaks Wrist

News: Alberts suffered a fractured left wrist in Monday's loss to the Blues, the Vancouver Province reports.

Analysis: That's three defensemen Vancouver has lost to injury in the past four games. Alberts is out indefinitely and will be placed on the long-term injury reserve. Owners in deep leagues that were deploying Alberts can feel free to cut him loose.

Canucks' Alberts Returns From Shoulder Injury

News: As expected, Alberts (shoulder) returned to action Monday night. He finished plus-2 in 17 minutes of ice time.

Analysis: Alberts had missed the previous eight games with a shoulder problem. He saw a couple extra minutes of ice time after Keith Ballard went down with a knee injury, but don't expect Alberts to see that much action on a regular basis. The depth defenseman has one goal and six assists in 39 games this season.

Canucks' Alberts (Shoulder) Eyes Return Next Week

News: Alberts (shoulder) doesn't expect to return to the lineup until next week, the Vancouver Province reports.

Analysis: Alberts has missed seven games with a shoulder injury. The Canucks could possibly see Sami Salo (Achilles) return next week as well, so Alberts might have a tough time finding his way on to the ice.

Canucks' Alberts (Shoulder) On The Mend

News: Canucks coach Alain Vigneault expects Alberts (shoulder) to return to action in the near future, the Vancouver Province reports.

Analysis: Vigneault doesn't expect Alberts to be ready in time for Tuesday's game against the Stars or Wednesday's game against the Coyotes, but the low-scoring defenseman should return to action later in the week.

Canucks' Alberts Skating

News: Alberts, out since January 16 with a slight separation of his right shoulder, has been skating before practice and coach Alain Vigneault says he will be close to returning after the All-Star break, TSN.ca reports.

Analysis: Alberts isn't much of a fantasy factor with 51 points in 377 career NHL games, but he's a good depth guy for the Vancouver blue line and the team will welcome back his return, along with that of Aaron Rome, as both should be close to game action following the All-Star festivities this weekend.

Canucks' Alberts (Shoulder) Could Miss 2-3 Weeks

News: Alberts could miss two to three weeks after suffering a slight separation of his right shoulder, the Vancouver Province reports.

Analysis: The Canucks are still awaiting results from an MRI to confirm the severity of Alberts' injury, but the early prognosis is he'll be out for a couple weeks. Chris Tanev will start in place of Alberts on Tuesday.

Canucks' Alberts (Shoulder) Not Expected To Play Tuesday

News: Alberts (shoulder) is not expected to play Tuesday against the Avalanche, the Vancouver Province reports.

Analysis: Alberts suffered a shoulder injury in Sunday's loss to Minnesota. It's still uncertain how long Alberts will be sidelined with the injury, but owners should consider him doubtful for at least the next couple games. Recently recalled Chris Tanev is expected to start in place of Alberts on Tuesday.

Injuries Open Up Playing Time For Canucks' Alberts

News: Alberts, who has been a healthy scratch the past two games, is expected to replace Aaron Rome (knee) in the lineup Sunday, the Vancouver Province reports.

Analysis: Rome suffered a sprained MCL in the first period of Friday's win over the Rangers and will likely miss multiple games, opening up some playing time for Alberts in the short term. Alberts will likely only hold the spot until either Rome or Sami Salo (Achilles) is healthy, so any value to be had here will be short lived.

Canucks' Alberts Leaves Tuesday's Game With Undisclosed Injury

News: Alberts left Tuesday's win over the Flyers in the third period with an undisclosed injury after taking a punch from Philadelphia's Jody Shelley, the Associated Press reports.

Analysis: Alberts saw 14:16 minutes of ice time before leaving the game and not returning. He's a depth defenseman who spends his fair share of time in the press box, so owners should go another route even if this injury isn't serious.

Press Box Duty For Canucks' Alberts

News: Alberts was a healthy scratch for Monday's win over the Blues, the Vancouver Province reports.

Analysis: Aaron Rome took Alberts' spot in the lineup. With Sami Salo (Achilles) returning in the next month or so, Alberts will have plenty of healthy scratches looming. Look elsewhere for help on the blue line.

Canucks' Alberts Returns to Practice

News: Alberts (illness) returned to practice Tuesday, but he's expected to be the odd man out for Wednesday's game against the Ducks, the Vancouver Sun reports.

Analysis: Alberts appears to be over his illness, but he's still expected to sit Wednesday night. The Canucks have seven healthy defenseman and Sami Salo nearing a return, so Alberts could become a regular in the press box.

Press Box Looming for Canucks' Alberts?

News: After struggling in Tuesday's loss to the Canadiens, Alberts could be in danger of losing his spot in the Canucks' top six for Thursday's tilt against the Senators, the Vancouver Sun reports.

Analysis: Alberts got the nod over Keith Ballard on Tuesday, but their roles could be reversed Thursday night. The Canucks are committed to Ballard long term, so even if the move isn't made Thursday, Alberts will eventually find himself as the odd man out.

Canucks' Alberts (Knee) Ready to Play

News: Alberts (knee) declared himself ready for Monday's tilt against the Devils, the Vancouver Province reports.

Analysis: Alberts suffered a minor knee injury in Wednesday's win over the Avalanche, but he was able to practice without any complications over the weekend. Feel free to plug him into your lineup if you're using him.

Vancouver's Alberts Suffers Knee Injury

News: Alberts suffered a knee injury in Tuesday's victory over the Avalanche, the Vancouver Sun reports.

Analysis: The extent of the injury is not yet known, but the team should have a better idea about Alberts' status after he undergoes an MRI. The Canucks were already playing without three veteran defensemen, so they will be even thinner at the position if Alberts is forced to miss any time.

Alberts jumps back into lineup

News: Hurricanes D Andrew Alberts was able to play on Friday against the Sabres after sitting out Wednesday against the Flames with a head injury. He had no points in 14:12 of ice time and finished at even.

Analysis: Alberts has managed one goal and three assists in his last five games, but we aren't expecting a breakout offensive run. Alberts is still doing all his damage at even strength. He is basically just feeling it right now. His hot streak is likely to die off. Alberts still has minimal Fantasy appeal outside of leagues that reward heavily for PIM.

Alberts should be OK for Friday

News: The Raleigh News & Observer reports that Hurricanes D Andrew Alberts (head) should be able to play Friday at Buffalo.

Analysis: Alberts got roughed up in Wednesday's game against the Flames, but he apparently doesn't have a concussion. He continues to have minimal Fantasy appeal outside of leagues that reward heavily for PIM.

Alberts on rare hot streak

News: Hurricanes D Andrew Alberts scored a goal and finished at plus-1 on Monday against the Oilers. Alberts, who also spent two minutes in the penalty box, opened the scoring 2:42 into the first as he beat Jeff Deslauriers on a slap shot. It was his second goal and first score since Dec. 7.

Analysis: Alberts has four points (three assists) in his last four games. He is also plus-5 in that span. This is arguably his best stretch of hockey. However, Alberts is still doing all his damage at even strength. He is basically just feeling it right now. His hot streak is likely to die off. Alberts still has minimal Fantasy appeal outside of leagues that reward heavily for PIM.

Alberts nets first goal in Dec.

News: Hurricanes D Andrew Alberts scored a goal during Monday's game against the Penguins. Alberts skated in from the right circle and, faking a pass, slid a shot along the goal line that Marc-Andre Fleury couldn't stop 4:45 into the game for his first goal.

Analysis: Alberts signed with Carolina in the offseason after spending the last four seasons with Boston and Philadelphia. He has never been a great offensive player, but he has been a nice defensive presence. Alberts is best used in Fantasy leagues that reward heavily for short-handed stats.

Alberts signs two-year deal with 'Canes

News: The Carolina Hurricanes have added some needed size to their blue line. The Eastern Conference finalist agreed to a two-year, $2.1 million deal with Andrew Alberts on Wednesday, bringing the 6-foot-5 defenseman over from Philadelphia. Alberts, 28, will earn $800,000 next year and $1.3 million in 2010-11.

Analysis: Alberts set career highs with the Flyers last year in games played (79), assists (12), points (13) and plus-minus rating (plus-6). He also led Flyers skaters with 157 hits and was third on the team with 133 blocked shots. Alberts will be a nice addition to the Hurricanes defense, but he still has minimal Fantasy appeal in standard formats. He is best used in Fantasy leagues that reward heavily for short-handed stats.

Alberts without point in 10 games

News: Flyers D Andrew Alberts failed to record a point and finished at plus-1 during Monday's game against the Devils. He doesn't have a point in his last 10 games.

Analysis: Alberts has a career-high 12 points and plus-10 rating in his first season with the Flyers. He has chewed up valuable minutes along the blue for Philadelphia, but Alberts is still not an elite offensive player. He has very minimal Fantasy appeal.

Alberts has point in three straight

News: Flyers D Andrew Alberts tallied an assist and finished at minus-1 in 14:55 of ice time Sunday against the Thrashers. He now has an assist in three straight games after getting zero points in his first 15 games.

Analysis: Alberts has taken just seven shots this season, so that should tell you how much he matters on offense. Alberts is averaging around 15 minutes per game, but he is more of a checking defenseman and has little to no Fantasy value despite his recent run.

Alberts hits the post Saturday

News:The Sports Xchange reports Flyers D Andrew Alberts rang a shot off the left post against Tampa Bay Saturday. A few inches to the right and Alberts would have had his first goal since 2006 and his second goal in 195 NHL games.

Analysis: Alberts wasn't acquired from Boston for his offensive game, so any goals or assists he gets is gravy. He is more of a checking defenseman and should only be owned in the deepest of Fantasy leagues that reward for PIM.

Flyers trade for D Alberts

News: The Flyers acquired D Andrew Alberts from the Boston Bruins for a minor leaguer and a draft pick on Monday.

Analysis: Alberts, who is entering the final year of his contract, has been added to the Flyers' blue line to help a unit that has been decimated by injury. He is more of a checking defenseman and should only be owned in the deepest of Fantasy leagues that reward for PIM.

Alberts entering walk year

News: The Boston Globe reports that Bruins defenseman Andrew Alberts is entering the final year of his contract and is expected to be an unrestricted free agent next summer. "I know. Two years go by fast," said Alberts, referring to his current two-year contract. "Last year was a long year. But coming back this year, hopefully I'll play well and we'll see what happens." Alberts was limited to 35 games last season because of a neck injury that left him with post-concussion syndrome symptoms. The injury was result of a nasty hit by Philadelphia's Scott Hartnell. "Last year, in the early parts of the year, you could see his game was really coming around -- thinking and skating at the same time," GM Peter Chiarelli said. "He's big. He plays hard. He's just suffered as a result of the injury last year, so he's a little bit behind."

Analysis: Alberts worked out back home in Minnesota this summer. He acknowledged experiencing headaches earlier in the summer, but said he's been skating since July and is ready for training camp. "Couple hiccups," Alberts said. "But I'm good to go now." Alberts has just 19 points (one goal) in 184 career games. He is more of a checking defenseman and should only be owned in the deepest of Fantasy leagues that reward for PIM.

Alberts makes long-awaited return

News: Bruins D Andrew Alberts made his long-awaited return to the ice during Wednesday's game against the Devils. Alberts has not played since Dec. 15 because of a neck injury.

Analysis: Alberts was headed for a third straight season of 70-plus games before a concussion sidelined him in December. His absence was missed more by the Bruins than Fantasy owners. Even though he is back, he has little to no Fantasy value outside of leagues that reward heavily for PIM.

Alberts continues slow recovery

News: The Boston Globe reports that injured Bruins D Andrew Alberts skated on his own for nearly a half hour Wednesday as he continues to recover from a neck injury. Alberts, who hasn't played since Dec. 15 and has been experiencing headaches and flu-like symptoms, will be reevaluated Friday. "I'm slowly getting back day by day," said Alberts. "Every day, I feel better."

Analysis: Alberts might make it back this season, but we highly doubt it. The Bruins would sure like to see him contribute, however, as they try to hold on to a playoff spot. While he is important to the Bruins, he has little to no Fantasy value to owners when healthy.

Alberts has headaches due to neck issue

News: It appears that the mystery surrounding Andrew Alberts' continuous headaches has been solved. The Bruins defenseman wasn't suffering from post-concussion syndrome as suspected but rather a neck injury that is now being treated with twice-weekly physical therapy. The plan calls for him to continue with the therapy sessions for three weeks. Alberts, who hasn't played since Dec. 15, began to get to the heart of the matter early last week when he visited a clinic thatspecializes in concussion treatment at the University of Buffalo. "I went on the treadmill and got my heart rate up to 185 and theysaid 'You don't have post-concussion syndrome. Everything you've told us leads to a neck injury," Alberts said.

Analysis: While being told you have a neck injury is not exactly the first thing anyone wants to hear, Alberts, at this point, is glad to havea definitive diagnosis. "It's better than having a post-concussion syndrome," he said. "With that you don't know how long you're going to be out. And thereare so many different varieties of (post-concussion syndromes),there's nausea or dizziness or lightheadedness. All I've ever had is headaches, so it's nice to know what the cause of the problem is."

Alberts goes through light workouts

Analysis: Alberts, who has just one career goal, averages some 21 minutes per game. While he is important to the Bruins, he has little to no Fantasy value to owners even when healthy. Release him in all but keeper formats for now.

Alberts' concussion remains an issue

News: According to the Boston Globe, Bruins coach Claude Julien said Andrew Alberts's headaches are improving, but the defenseman has not been cleared for off-ice workouts.

Analysis: Alberts, who has just one career goal, averages some 21 minutes per game. While he is important to the Bruins, he has little to no Fantasy value to owners even when healthy. Release him in all but keeper formats for now.

Alberts still dealing with headaches

News: Bruins D Andrew Alberts missed his sixth straight game on Saturday night against Atlanta and, according to the Boston Herald, could be out for another couple of weeks. "One minute things are looking a little better, next minute he still has a few of the headaches," coach Claude Julien said Saturday. "On the positive side theyre getting less and less. But hes still not available to us for a while."

Analysis: Alberts has just one career goal, but plays an average of 21 minutes per game. He has little to no Fantasy value when healthy and is more important to the Bruins than he is to Fantasy owners.

Alberts able to play Thursday

News: Bruins D Andrew Alberts (head) was able to play Thursday against the Panthers after leaving Monday's game against the Flyers. He did not record a point in 21:19 of ice time, but finished at plus-1.

Analysis: Alberts has just one career goal, but plays on average 21 minutes per game. He has little to no Fantasy value when healthy. He is more important to the Bruins than he is to Fantasy owners.

Alberts leaves game early

News: There were no incidents involving Randy Jones, but Philadelphia's Scott Hartnell was given a five-minute boarding penalty and a game misconduct for hitting defenseman Andrew Alberts at 14:22 of the second period. Alberts left the game with an unspecified head injury and will be evaluated Tuesday. "I did not try to hurt him," Hartnell explained. "There was no intent at all. I am not that type of player. If you look at all the games this year and past years, I finish my checks every time I have an opportunity."

Analysis: Alberts didn't light the lamp in 76 games last season, so his Fantasy value is limited to the deepest of leagues when healthy.

Bruins re-sign Andrew Alberts

Analysis: Alberts didn't light the lamp in 76 games last season, so his Fantasy value is limited to the deepest of leagues. Bochenski did a good job coming over from Chicago and might be worth a look in the later rounds on Draft Day in all Fantasy formats.

D Alberts nursing an injury

News: The Boston Herald reports Andrew Alberts was unable to play in Tuesday's game at Toronto due to a lower body injury.

Analysis: The Fantasy value for Alberts is limited to larger Fantasy leagues of 12 or more teams at this time. Consider him day to day. He'll have two full days to recover before the Bruins take to the ice in Tampa on Friday.

D Alberts has a scary injury

News: Andrew Alberts was temporarily blinded in the third period of Saturday's game against the Canadiens after taking a stick to the eye from Michael Ryder. He suffered a severe cut and told reporters after the game that he could not see for nearly two or three minutes.

Analysis: Alberts reported getting full vision back after about 20 minutes. However, we'll consider him day to day.